Long-Term Care Insurance Specialist

Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Kristine Swisher, Owner of Giving Tree Insurance, located in Oceanside, CA, USA.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

I am an Independent Medicare and Long-Term care insurance specialist. I help people navigate their Medicare journey when they turn 65 or retire from their careers or if they have been on Medicare for years. I help them make unbiased decisions for their future healthcare needs. This is very important because Medicare does not cover Long-Term Care services. LTC services are care in the home or in an assisted living/nursing home: help with bathing, dressing, eating, transferring, continence and toileting.

I specialize in planning and designing an affordable Long-Term care insurance plan that works with their budget (if they medically qualify). Long-Term care insurance provides income for paying for Long-Term care in their home and ultimately protects their loved ones from taking on the majority of care.

Tell us about yourself

I am a wife and a mom to two little boys. I am grateful that I can be my own boss. I started my business because I was working for a medical provider and realized that several Medicare beneficiaries had no idea how their Medicare benefits worked. Oftentimes, people were frustrated that they could not receive the care they desired, and that was due to their poorly planned insurance. I realized that Medicare beneficiaries need to be educated before choosing an insurance plan.

I also watched my in-laws be the caregivers to their parents, and it was very difficult to watch for many years. Having a Long-Term care insurance in place years before it was necessary is absolutely critical. Being the caregiver to a loved one is very stressful financially, physically, and emotionally. Watching these unfortunate events allowed me to not only plan better for my future self, but I became empowered to help people prevent what I watched my family endure.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My biggest accomplishment is having clients refer me to their families and friends. I feel so grateful that my clients have entrusted me with such a big decision that affects them and their loved ones. I take pride in knowing that I am their trusted resource.

What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?

I think the hardest thing that comes as a business owner is that my business is never closed. Even when the day is done, it is typically just the beginning for me. I really try to adhere to a strict working schedule, so when my kids are out of school, or there is a family event planned that I am present. I can enjoy my family time without the guilt or knowing I have to get back on my to-do list.

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

Work hard - even if you have no clients, start dreaming and planning on how you will get clients.
Be consistent - As a business owner, it may seem wonderful to have a "flexible" schedule. The reality is if you are successful, you do not have as much flexibility as you would like. If you are consistently working hard, then your success will certainly follow suit.
Invest in yourself and your business - You are your greatest investment. If you treat yourself as a growing business, you will continue to require tools to allow you to streamline your business to become more efficient—plan on investing in more education, technology, and tools for your growth.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://givingtreeinsurance.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GivingTreeInsurance
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/givingtreeinsurance/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristineswisher760/

If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

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